Just wondered for those that may have had any dental work done in Bali or Thailand would you recommend this for a teenager who require major dental work. Just trying to think of ways to save $$ but got a feeling this isn't going to happen

Hi wanderer

Trip Advisor has discussions on dental treatment in both Bali and Thailand. I had a look myself about a week ago, Lots of 'bewares', as you'd expect, but one dentist in Bali was consistently spoken about in glowing terms. He apparently isn't cheap by Indonesian standards, but is still about a third of the price of major dental treatment in Australia. I'm not sure if posting details of a particular service provider is allowed here, but have a look on Trip Advisor and if you can't find the info, feel free to email me through this forum and I'll give you the link.

Good luck, I know that dental treatment in Australia (as well as many other countries) is hideously expensive. Even with top level private insurance, I can only get just over $1,000 back per year for major dental work, including crowns etc. The two public services (to cover the whole of WA!) are swamped, with people waiting up to 18 months to be seen, and the income limit required means that only people on benefits are accepted.

I don't understand why Medicare, which although is our public health system is far from free as we pay through our taxes, and then again for treatment, doesn't cover any dental treatment at all. Obviously the 'authors' of the scheme didn't think that decaying teeth and gum disease have any impact at all on people's overall health. For God's sake, people have died from dental abscesses!

Sorry about the rant. The appalling lack of even remotely affordable dental treatment in Australia is a very, very sore point with me. Let us know how you get on!

Recently a regular poster stated he has his dental work done in vietnam and was very happy with the result and price.

Do not touch Bali for dental work with a barge pole - horrendous standards of dentistry, and way overpriced.

I'd definitely recommend Thailand for treatment. Bangkok hospitals and some clinics have an excellent standard of care. I have used the Asavanant clinic on a number of trips (http://www.asavanant.com/). They used to be cheaper than they are currently, but are an excellent group of dentists with every new technology available. They don't try to get you to do unnecessary treatment which I really appreciated. There are a few other Bangkok hospitals with good rep's - have a look on Thorntree for recommendations.

You should factor in the costs of travel/accom and follow up treatment also. Most clinics can give you costs and expected treatment times in advance

Colleagues working in Jeddah with the Airline routinely went to Thailand for dental work. Of course as airline employees they got free flights !!